Planning in Pencil

“Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”Proverbs 16:3

Perhaps you’ve heard the phrase, “write your plans in pencil”. It is often used as an encouragement or warning, to plan knowing that God might flip things upside down. There is some truth to the statement and I have experienced that in my own life. One of the most significant ways was when I was working as a nurse and God directed me toward ministry. I never would have written that in my own story, but the change of direction led me to Streams, a place that wholistically cares for all people out of love for Jesus, and I couldn’t be more grateful. Sometimes our best laid plans just can’t compare to what God has in store for us. It is one thing to know that God’s plans are best but it is another to live that way.

Proverbs 16:3 gives some advice to help us in the process. The author doesn’t say we shouldn’t plan ahead. Afterall, planning does include an element of stewardship. We should wisely think about how we are hoping to use the gifts and resources God has given us. But instead, the author provides a foundation for planning. He says “Commit your work to the Lord and he will establish your plans.” First, before we plan, we commit the present to the Lord. We are called to give all of our actions and concerns over to God. This applies personally, professionally and organizationally. When we acknowledge that no work is done without him, our hearts are rightly situated to discern his guidance. With our present and future works committed to our Heavenly Father, we can trust that our thoughts and plans will be established by him.

Maybe you are in a season of planning right now, thinking about what comes next after your current stage. Perhaps you are contemplating a change in your career or family. Whatever kind of planning it may be, I pray you take the Proverb to heart. How can you pause in your planning to commit your present to the Lord? What can you do to ensure that every decision and step you take is done with God at the center? As you commit your current and future circumstances to him, may he provide you peace knowing you can trust him to lovingly direct your path.

Prayer

Lord, We thank you for your sovereignty and the specific plan you have for each of our lives. I praise you for the way you have faithfully led us to where we are today and pray that we continue to trust you with our future. Whether we are in a stage of planning or waiting right now, we pause to commit our work to you. May we keep you at the center of every conversation we have and decision we make, trusting you with the plan for our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Makalah Scholten
Spiritual Care Coordinator

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